Today, I taught two classes, each for 90 minutes. I taught for Elder Breton. He was out of town and I taught his Doctrine and Covenants lesson, sections 27, 28, and 29. Then this afternoon, I taught the history of the church. By the end of the second class, my mind was lost and I often, as I was trying to conclude my lesson, was at a loss for words, stumped, and didn't know how to say what I wanted to say. It is so frustrating to be in that position. The kids are there, trying to understand me, trying to read my mind, trying to help me, but unsure how to do so. Usually, I shall only teach one a day, and now I am only scheduled to teach two a week, one to the investigators on Thursday. I love teaching, but when I can't use the language.... When my mind goes into a brain cloud, a stupor, a realization that I am in a foreign country....
After my final class and before close the Institute, we ran to the store to purchase a few things. As we were talking toward the door, it dawned on me that we are in a foreign country, and they speak a foreign language here. It was like a light turned on and it was a surprise. (That happens once in a while, reality sets in.)
One thing that amazes me is the students, the single adults. At the start of each class, we have a song where they sing every verse of the song. Then a prayer, and then one of the kids stands to give a spiritual thought. They are called upon a few minutes before they stand to give their thoughts, but it amazes me that they stand and talk for five to ten minutes. In the US, or back home, if someone were called upon to give a thought, it would be about thirty seconds. Here, they could give the whole lesson with thirty seconds notice. They are truly very prepared for almost anything. (maybe I am being unfair, perhaps the people back home would talk for sixty seconds....)
Last night we watched the debate before going to bed. Politics is so crazy. Someone is going to be president come January though the next four years. At least as far as I can tell, it looks like we will have the same president that we have now. But two weeks, things can change I guess.
It would sure be different to have someone in the White House, leading our country that prayed to Father in Heaven, that does home teaching, that believes the same as I do. Sure, I don't agree with all his views, but being a member of my church, I can foresee that perhaps there would be great strides in missionary work around the globe. But who knows. Two weeks from tonight, we shall know I guess. There are many people down here who want to see Mitt Romney win the election, for they think it will be better for their country, having a different president than we have now.
No cock roaches. No crunchies. Tiny ants on our shelves. Power outages still. Water outages almost every night. Rain almost every afternoon. Frustration comes and goes. We are loving it down here, loving the young kids, amazed with their strength and knowledge of the gospel. Feeling Father's direction and approval. We are missionaries.
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